Jackfruit Meatballs Tacos

Jackfruit has been the in thing for a while this year. Shredded young jackfruit, smothered in any thick sauces like bbq, served with the toppings of choice! Jackfruit, also called “Kathal” in hindi has been used in many forms in Indian food. It was already called the vegetarian meat way back when Mom would make a jackfruit based saucy curry. This humble vegetable is getting its due.

I wanted to use jackfruit in some other form, so I made it into these veggie balls! Just 2 main ingredients. Jackfruit and chickpea flour, plus of course loads of spices. Serve these with marinara or other sauces and melt some vegan cheese over it!

Young green jackfruit pieces are boiled in water with some spices to soften and infuse with flavor. Then they are shredded and mixed with roasted chickpea flour, more spices, garlic and ginger and made into balls. These balls can be pan fried or baked. I prefer the pan fried as they stay more moist. I was out of sub sandwiches, so I made these into tacos. These Jackfruit balls made fantastic veggie ball subs, or veggie balls to serve over pasta and more.

Oh yes “meatballs”. The most often searched term even if searching for veggie version is “veggie meatball” not veggie ball. These certain terms have to be used to get people to the post. So everyone vegan or not can find a veggie ball recipe! Meat doesn’t mean animal. Its a term also used for any internal stuff of other things, like coconut meat.

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For the jackfruit: Combine all the ingredients (jackfruit + water + spices) in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. about 6 minutes. Cook for another 6 to 7 minutes. Total 14 minutes.

Cool slightly, drain and keep aside.

For the Veggie Balls: Meanwhile, dry roast 1 cup of chickpea flour in a large skillet over medium low heat. Stir every 2 minutes. about 7 to 8 minutes. or dry roast over medium heat and stir every 30 seconds to avoid burning. 4 to 5 minutes. The flour should start to smell nutty and change color slightly. Keep aside.

Using a fork or a food processor shred the boiled and drained jackfruit. Add the spices, ginger, garlic, oil and mix well. Add 3/4 cup chickpea flour and mix well. Add a tbsp flour at a time until the mixture starts to come together, not too sticky, but also not dry. Oil your hands and Shape the mixture by pressing lightly into 1 inch balls.

To pan fry, add 1 to 2 tsp oil in a skillet and heat over medium high heat. When hot, add the jackfruit balls and pan fry for 1-2 minutes on all sides. (total 6 to 7 minutes).

To Bake: Preheat the oven to 410 degrees F / 210ºc. Place the shaped balls on parchment lined baking sheet. Brush oil on top. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes.

I like these balls pan-fried. Serve with marinara and vegan mozzarella in sub sandwich or tacos or over pasta.

Recipe Notes

Nutritional values based on one serving

Nutrition Facts

Jackfruit Meatballs Tacos

Amount Per Serving

Calories 92Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 1g2%

Sodium 139mg6%

Potassium 137mg4%

Total Carbohydrates 18g6%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 1g

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A1.1%

Vitamin C1.6%

Calcium3%

Iron4.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Comments

I can’t wait to try this recipe! I delight in the wonders of jackfruit. Thank you Richa for your always wonderful recipes as well as the golden drops of knowledge you leave us with. No more plastic-based toothbrushes for me. 🙂

I couldnt seem to find anyone with the question whether or not jackfruit meatballs can be frozen successfully? Most posters only seem to care about the free bamboo toothbrush.. Thank you for posting your recipe if you know if these can be frozen please do tell me =)